Do Autistic People Know They’re Autistic?

One of the biggest misconceptions about autism is that people who have it are unaware of their diagnosis. The reality is that many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are self-aware of the condition they have as well as how they are affected by it.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people in very varied ways. Not only can the signs and symptoms of autism span such a wide spectrum, but the self-awareness aspect of it can, too.

Some people who have autism may keenly know that they have ASD and the ways in which it affects them. Some may have more limited awareness, not completely grasping the characteristics and traits that are affected. Others, still, might not be aware at all.

Below, we’ll discuss this self-awareness in people with autism and how this self-awareness might affect them.

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What Could Affect Whether Someone Knows They’re Autistic?

There are many factors that affect self-awareness in people who have autism.

First, how old a person is, as well as what developmental stage they’re at, plays an important role. For instance, young children might have a much harder time understanding what autism is, let alone how they are different from some of their peers because of it.

Older children, teens and adults might become more self-aware of their condition as they get older, as well as the impact that it has on their life.

Another important factor is the individual’s cognitive abilities. As mentioned, autism can affect a person’s ability to understand and process things, which can have a direct result on whether they’re aware that they have ASD.

Finally, the education and support that people with autism receive can play a huge role in whether they’re self-aware. Those who receive proper resources, information, support and guidance about autism are much more likely to understand the diagnosis and how it affects them.

What Challenges are There with Self-Awareness?

There are some challenges in self-awareness for people with autism.

For one, some people who have autism engage in what’s known as camouflaging or masking. In essence, these are strategies some people employ to hide the autistic traits they have so they can fit in better with their peers and live up to social norms.

This could involve them imitating the behaviors of neurotypical individuals they observe or suppressing some of the characteristics or behaviors that they have so they seem to blend in with others.

These masking techniques might help people deal with social situations better, but they can also hamper their ability to fully identify and acknowledge that they have autism.

Another major challenge is late diagnosis. While information and awareness about the early signs of autism has increased immensely in recent years, many people still have their autism misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all until later in life.

Such a delayed diagnosis can result in people not understanding or even accepting that they have autism. They might have been diagnosed with another condition, or instance, only to be told later in life that they have ASD.

This is a major reason why early identification and detection of the signs and symptoms of autism is so important, so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.

What Support Do People with Autism Need in Regards to Self-Awareness?

People with autism need adequate support to help them grow as individuals. Many face challenges with social interactions, communication and daily life skills.

Creating environments that are accepting, safe and supportive for people with autism is crucial in helping them not only get the help they need, but also aiding them in becoming self-aware of their diagnosis.

In doing so, they can learn not just about their limitations and what they have to overcome, but also about their unique strengths and abilities.

This can be done in a number of ways. It involves understanding a person’s unique sensory conditions, using clear communication and respecting their boundaries. It also involves promoting inclusion and acceptance among people who don’t have autism.

By providing the proper support, education, treatment and encouragement, people with autism can become more self-aware of their condition and grow as a result.

Blue Gems ABA Helps Support People with Autism

Just like other aspects of autism, self-awareness spans a wide spectrum for people with ASD. Helping people understand their condition and supporting them with it is important for all people who are on the spectrum.

At Blue Gems ABA, we support people on the autism spectrum through applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy. This tried-and-true gold standard of treatments for autism uses positive reinforcement and repetition to help people with autism build their social, communication and daily life skills.

To learn more, please contact us today.